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Ballet Hispanico at "Fall For Dance 2013" with Choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (DanceUpCloseVideo)

One of Three Commissions for the 10th Anniversary of Fall for Dance

Dancing Up Close to the Men of Ballet Hispanico in Sombrerísimo
Choreographer: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Performers: Christopher Bloom, Jamal Rashann Callender, Alexander Duval,
Mario Ismael Espinoza, Johan Rivera Mendez (Sept. 30),
Marcos Rodriguez, Joshua Winzeler (Oct. 1)

Tara Sheena for The Dance Enthusiast

Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Dancers from the Ballet Hispanico
Discuss the  Thoughts and Feelings Behind Sombrerísimo

In one of only three commissions for this year’s 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Fall for Dance Festival, Ballet Hispanico will present its newest all-male work by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The piece, titled Sombrerísimo, is inspired by the paintings of Belgian surrealist artist, René Magritte, as well as the play involved in embodying personas. Using custom hats, intricate partnering, and a super-cool swagger, the dancers effortlessly weave through movement that is bold and character-driven.  At a recent rehearsal at the Ballet Hispanico studios, Ochoa admitted that working with Ballet Hispanico brings out her “quirky” side. And, by now, it’s something she is used to; Sombrerísimo marks her fifth creation for the company.

When asked about his choice for the commission, Artistic Director Eduardo Vilaro pinned Ochoa as an easy choice. “For me, it’s always been important to have a female touch in the work and she really gives us that.”

For Vilaro, the commission is a chance to showcase not only the diverse repertoire Ballet Hispanico has acquired (especially since he took over as Artistic Director from Founder Tina Ramirez in 2009), but to show how its dancers reflect an ever-changing Hispanic culture. “We are broadening the way New York City audiences see Ballet Hispanico,” he notes. “Just as the culture is evolving, so should its art.”
 

Ballet Hispanico An Ambassador of the Hispanic Community

*TDE misspelled Jamal Rashann Callender's name in this video.


Sombrerísimo is in Program Three of Fall for Dance. Tickets for the festival went on sale September 8 at 11am.
 

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